Do you dread the day when you must decide how to care for your aging parents? Or what about yourself when that time comes? Currently there are 1 in 9 Canadians over the age of 65, by the year 2030 there will be 1 in 4. How long would you be able to live independently in your own home? With a few well-placed structural revisions, it is possible for millions of Canadians to stay in their homes longer - a place where they feel comfortable and safe and remain a burden to no one. Surprisingly, these seamless modifications can be achieved for just a few hundred dollars during the home’s construction.

We are not referring to wheelchair ramps or ugly metal rails in the bathroom, (mobility design has come a long way baby) but aesthetically pleasing and cleverly concealed ideas that will make your life simpler and safer. Building consultant Patrick Simpson wrote the book on user friendly homes in his own publication richly illustrated and written in easy to understand lay-man’s terms, Building for Your Future. Bedridden for six months from a back injury, this long time developer realized first hand that simple, efficient design modifications are a requirement in almost every home. From widening doors and stairwells to removing sills in exterior doorways, Patrick Simpson has collected an entire living environment of building solutions that will allow seniors, children and those with any type of physical challenge to enjoy a safer, more independent lifestyle.

Patrick Simpson has taken a great idea one step further. His company, User Friendly Homes Ltd., is building a demonstration home in Vancouver that will showcase these easy and affordable concepts. He explains, "the housing industry has been stalled in resolving these housing issues and we see this home clearly demonstrating just how simple these solutions can be." Scheduled to open October 15, the home will act as a professional training and public awareness center where guided, interactive tours will be made available to the public as well as workshops to the Real Estate, Building and Healthcare industries. In step with both Federal and Provincial programs on seniors housing initiatives, this venture is supported by BC’s Ministry of Housing, BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, BC Gas, corporate and local business sponsors, The City of Vancouver and the CHBA.

For an interview with Patrick Simpson or a tour of the home please call (604) 264-8878 (Note: we can submit articles to fill word count). Visit www.abouthomes.com (click on User Friendly Homes link.)

Contact: Patrick Simpson/Cindy Chobanik (604) 264-8878 Media Contact: Gail Ferrier 604 931 4056